马来西亚首相安华去年12月，宣布邀请泰国前首相达信出任安华作为亚细安轮值主席国主席的私人顾问。不久后，安华和达信乘搭游艇在泰国边界的水域会面。

在今年2月初，安华与达信再次见面，讨论加密货币和缅甸局势问题。两人的会面，后来也加入了新加坡前外交部长杨荣文。

马来西亚是今年的亚细安轮值主席国，今年也是 “亚细安共同体愿景 2025” 实施的最后一年。这个组织将制定未来20年的目标，即 “亚细安共同体愿景2045”。

在全球贸易保护主义抬头、地缘政治紧张加剧的局势下，亚细安面临更大的机遇，以及更严峻的挑战。客观环境是否会迫使亚细安更有作为？

这期的早报播客《东谈西论》，听主持人韩咏红与拉曼大学政治与新闻系助理教授刘惟诚解析安华作为轮值主席，会施展怎样的雄心壮志？他又会如何解决悬而未决的缅甸问题？

延伸阅读：

• 刘惟诚：特朗普回归对亚细安的意义
• 刘惟诚：马国轮值亚细安主席的考验

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's decision to appoint former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor on ASEAN affairs has sparked controversy. Thaksin met with Anwar on multiple occasions, including a meeting on a yacht near the Thai border and a later meeting joined by former Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo. These meetings focused on pressing regional issues like the Myanmar crisis and the rise of cryptocurrencies.

Anwar's move has raised eyebrows due to Thaksin's controversial past and legal troubles. Critics question the appropriateness of seeking counsel from a figure convicted of corruption, while supporters emphasise Thaksin's experience and regional insights.  This appointment comes as Malaysia holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, a crucial year marking the culmination of the "ASEAN Community Vision 2025" and the beginning of a new 20-year vision.

With rising global trade protectionism and escalating geopolitical tensions, ASEAN faces both opportunities and challenges. Anwar's leadership will be tested as he navigates these complex issues, particularly the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. 

This episode of Global Heartbeat podcast features Assistant Professor (Media and Politics) Liew Wui Chern from University of Tunku Abdul Rahman, offering insights into these unfolding events. Join us as we explore the ambitions and strategies that will shape ASEAN's future.

Hosted by Lianhe Zaobao’s Associate Editor, Han Yong Hong, Global Heartbeat is a Mandarin weekly news and current affairs podcast that is updated every Tuesday, 7.00 PM SGT. It is available on zaobao.sg, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.